Restoring Limestone Island

Forest and Bird, Issue 281, 1 August 1996, Page 12

Restoring Limestone Island

RESTORATION OF Limestone (Matakohe) Island — a 40hectare reserve in Whangarei Harbour and an open sanctuary in the manner of Tiritiri Matangi — has been an important commitment for Forest and Bird’s Northern branch. Branch identities Tony McCluggage and Jack Craw are two of many members active in the Friends of Matakohe Limestone Island. The branch has also donated over $15,000 for fencing and trees since 1989. To date the Friends have planted over 30,000 native trees and shrubs, fenced off ten hectares of historic pa and Maori agricultural sites for grazing, killed hectares of weeds, built tracks and boardwalks, and eradicated possums and cats. Restoration work took a major leap forward earlier this year when a self-contained cabin was barged across the harbour to the island and David Wright took up residence as full-time ranger. David’s duties include fire and vandalism control, track maintenance, weed management, plantings and guiding visitors.

Other plans include the eradication of rats and mice this year, and the introduction of saddleback, kaka, several species of skink and possibly a rare weta species. Later releases might include kiwi, weka, robin and other birds. As well as a pest-free refuge for threatened species, the island will be an educational resource for schools and the local community. Increased numbers of visitors to Limestone Island will hopefully take some of the pressure off the ecologically similar and even more valuable Hen and Chicken and Poor Knights Islands.